Sketch released of man who tried to abduct 4th grader

Police released updated information and a sketch of a man who is suspected of trying to abduct a fourth-grade boy on May 22 at Bell Elementary School in the North Center neighborhood.

The man approached the boy in the playground of the school at 3730 N. Oakley Ave. around 3:20 p.m. Wednesday, May 22, according to a letter sent out by school officials.

The man said he was there to take the boy home because the child's mother was sleeping, according to the letter. The child ran away and found his mother, and the incident was reported to school employees and police. The man was seen walking west on Grace Street, officials said.

Chicago police began an investigation and search, but no arrests have been made.

The man was initally described as being 45-55 years old and 5-foot-6, but updated information in a police News Affairs statement released today indicated he is between the ages of 25 and 35 and is between 5-foot-8 and 5-foot-10. The man was also wearing gold braces on his teeth, according to the new information. He was further described as being black with a thin build, with brown eyes, short, black hair and a dark complexion. He was wearing blue jeans, a stained black T-shirt, black and blue slide-on sandals, and a blue Cubs baseball cap.

The Bell school letter warned area schools to be cautious, and anyone with information was asked to call 911.